| abstract |
Methods for introducing mesoporosity into zeolite materials that employ an acid pretreatment step are provided. By utilizing a non-acidic chelating agent during the acid treatment step, the zeolite material can be pretreated with a strong acid, often in higher concentrations or over shorter contact times, than had previously been contemplated. The resulting acid-treated mesoporous materials retain desirable properties, including Si/Al, UCS, and total mesopore and micropore volume. The ability to use a stronger acid without damaging the zeolite material results in a less expensive process capable of producing mesoporous zeolite materials suitable for a wide range of uses. |